Dżem

Ryszard Henryk Riedel (September 7, 1956 in Chorzów - July 30, 1994 in Chorzów) – was the original lead singer of blues-rock band Dżem (Polish for 'jam'). He is often regarded as one of the most popular and well known vocalist of Polish music along with occasional collaborator Czesław Niemen. Riedel's legacy is remembered by an annual festival in Tychy till 2008, since 2009 in Chorzów.

Biography

Ryszard Henryk Riedel was born on the 7th September, 1956 in Chorzów. He was the second child of Krystyna and Jan (his sister Małgorzata is one year older). He finished his education after the 7th grade of primary school. He has never attended any singing course, he was a self-taught vocalist. His wide music influences during that time were bands like Free (Paul Rodgers was Riedel`s favourite vocalist),later Bad Company, Cream, The Allman Brothers Band, and The Doors. In December 1973 at the age of 17 he joined Dżem. In his initial years he was instrumental in keeping the band together. At the beginning of his career he was asked to join Kombi, but he turned down the offer. His lyrics contained many autobiographical, this is because he used himself as inspiration for many of his songs, if not all of them . Throughout his career he collaborated with many Polish artists such as: Rysiek Skibiński, Leszek Winder, Józef Skrzek, Nocna Zmiana Bluesa. In the subsequent years he became a heavy drug user (mainly heroin) which led to numerous arguments within the band. During his later years he began to lead the life of an outsider, he ignored rehearsals and even his own concerts. This led to the song "Autsajder" in 1993 where he is described as how he will never change "Ja już nigdy się nie zmienię" Despite his deteriorating condition the band continued to collaborate with him until he was forced to attend another detox in 1994 which again was unsuccessful. His last Concert with the band "Dżem" was on the 16th March 1994 in Kraków.
Death

Riedel's direct cause of death was cardiac insufficiency due to long time opiate drugs abuse (especially 'compote', the Polish heroin).
Legacy

In 2005 Riedel's life story was turned into the Polish movie Destined for Blues (Skazany na bluesa). Riedel is portrayed by Tomasz Kot in the movie. Rysiek Riedel is celebrated as one the best all time singers in Polish history, in 1995 just 1 year after his death a concert named "List Do R" taking inspiration from one of Rysiek's most loved songs "List Do M" was held in Spodek, Katowice on the 29 July where many famous vocalists performed such as the legendary Czesław Niemen. Ever Since 1999 an event held in his honour called "FESTIWAL IM. RYŚKA RIEDLA", where many famous Polish Bands and Singers experience the atmosphere left behind by Rysiek Riedel in his home town such as: Cree with lead Vocalist Sebastian Riedel (Rysiek Riedel's Son). Along with Rysiek Riedel's band Dżem with their new lead singer since 2001, Maciej Balcar (before this lead singer was Jacek Dewódzki).
Discography